In this episode, I’m diving into effective strategies and resources for teaching science and social studies in a self-contained special education classroom. I’m sharing about the importance of adapted curriculum, hands-on activities, visual supports, differentiation, and fostering a collaborative environment. Discover how my comprehensive Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle can make your teaching journey more rewarding and impactful.

In this episode you will learn:

• The significance of using adapted curriculum

• Engaging hands-on activities for science and social studies

• The role of visual supports and clear instructions

• Strategies for differentiating instruction

• The benefits of fostering a collaborative learning environment

• How to utilize the Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle

Links and Resources

Fall Bundle for the Special Education ClassroomScience and Social Studies Bundle for the Adapted Classroom

Connect with Dawn

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TpT Store

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we’re joined by Jenn from Teach Love Autism. She is a specialist renowned for her innovative strategies in teaching students with autism. Jenn takes us through the essential elements of setting up and managing independent work stations in the classroom, shedding light on why these tools are vital for fostering independence and supporting diverse learning needs.

In this episode you will learn about:

• Independent Work Stations Explained: What they are, why they work, and how they benefit students with autism.

• The Importance of Timing: Why implementing these stations in the first weeks of school is crucial for setting a positive tone for the year.

• Step-by-Step Setup: Jenn’s comprehensive guide to launching independent work stations effectively.

• Organizational Tips: How to keep your materials and resources in order for smooth operation.

• Training and Expectations: Strategies for teaching students how to use the stations and setting clear expectations.

• Personalization: How to adapt tasks to meet the individual needs of your students.

• Monitoring Progress: Methods for tracking and assessing the effectiveness of the work stations.

Links and Resources

FREEBIE: Independent Work Binder Sample

Independent Work Binders Bundle

Independent Work Task Starter Kit

Product: Task Card Bundle for All 4 Core Subjects! 

Connect with Jenn

Teach Love Autism Facebook Page

Teach Love Autism Facebook Group

Teach Love Autism Instagram

Teach Love Autism Tik Tok

Teach Love Autism Pinterest

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and this year has been no exception. With a few weeks under our belts, it's clear that this school year is like nothing we’ve experienced before. We knew it would be a unique challenge, and now that we're in the thick of it, I can say with certainty—we were absolutely right!

As teachers, we’re always learning, growing, and adapting. Every day brings new discoveries about our students, our classrooms, and even ourselves. From unexpected quirks in our routines to new ways of making our days run smoothly, there’s a constant adventure awaiting us. Sometimes, a bit of silliness is exactly what’s needed to keep the momentum going!

In this episode, I’m excited to share five key lessons I’ve picked up already this school year. My hope is that these insights will support you, help shorten your own learning curve, and remind you that you’ve got this—because together, we really do!

In this episode, you will learn:

1. A Game-Changer for Interactive Lessons - Discover a tool that has made a huge difference in hands-on teaching and where to find a handy tutorial.

2. Tips for Opening and Maintaining Communication with Parents - Effective strategies to keep parents in the loop and involved in their child’s education.

3. Why Digital Lessons Matter for All Students - Explore the benefits of digital resources for both traditional and remote learners.

4. Setting Aside Time to Connect with Your Students - The importance of getting to know your students and fostering connections among them.

5. The Most Important Lesson of All - Why giving yourself grace is crucial right now.

We all knew this school year was going to be different, but did we expect it to be this transformative? As I dive into this new year, I’ve come to realize that teaching is as much about learning as it is about instructing.

The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of new experiences and insights. It’s been a journey of discovering what works, what doesn’t, and sometimes, what’s just plain unexpected. From adapting to new routines to embracing moments of silliness, every day has brought its own set of challenges and rewards.

Links and Resources

Starfall.com Interactive Tool

Connect with Dawn

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Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Welcome to Episode 228 of Be The Exception in Special Education! In this inspiring episode, host Dawn Ellis sits down with Lucy Altway, a passionate educator and author of “The Room With The Rainbow Door.” Lucy shares her incredible journey in education and dives deep into her new book that celebrates inclusivity and neurodiversity.

In this episode you will learn:

• The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover what motivated Lucy to write “The Room With The Rainbow Door” and how her experiences shaped this meaningful story.

• Inclusivity and Neurodiversity: Lucy discusses how she integrated these essential themes into both the narrative and illustrations of her book.

• Character Insights: Meet the book’s main characters and explore how they help convey a powerful message of acceptance and understanding.

• Educational Impact: Find out how “The Room With The Rainbow Door” can be a valuable tool in classrooms and special education settings.

• Overcoming Challenges: Hear about the obstacles Lucy faced during the writing process and how she successfully navigated them.

• Future Projects: Get a sneak peek into Lucy’s upcoming projects and books related to inclusivity and neurodiversity.

Links and Resources

The Room With The Rainbow Door

Purchase on Amazon

Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education

Connect with Lucy

Lucy Altway's Website

Instagram

Facebook Group

Pinterest

Threads

TikTok

Connect with Dawn

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TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Alternate achievement standards, also known as AAS, are academic standards that different states, like Alabama, use for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to participate in general assessments. 

These standards are aligned with grade-level academic content standards, but may be less complex, deep, and broad. The goal of alternate standards is to help students achieve higher academic outcomes and prepare them for the future.

In this episode:

• 🐝 Discover why the one-size-fits-all approach to AAS doesn’t cut it and what to do instead

•  3️⃣ Learn the AAS Strategy Trifecta—3 critical elements that will elevate your teaching game

•  🖥️ Get a peek at my must-have resources and tools for effective AAS implementation 

• ✏️ Understand the hidden benefits  and time savers involved in AAS bundle in my TPT shop

• 👩🏼‍🔬 Find out the 5 commandments to follow for successful AAS integration into your classroom

Links and Resources

The Ultimate AAS Teaching Toolkit Freebie!Teaching Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards Curriculum Teaching Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards BlogTeaching the Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards Facebook Group

Connect with Dawn

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TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Do you have non-verbal students in your classroom? Are you ready to help them communicate in a way that works for them? 

In this week’s episode, we dive into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with our special guest, Marisa. 

In this episode you will learn:

• Introduction and Background: Marisa shares her journey into the field of AAC, explaining what inspired her to focus on this vital area of communication.

• Defining AAC: For those unfamiliar with AAC, Marisa breaks down what it is and the various forms it can take, from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices.

• Who Uses AAC?: Discover the diverse group of individuals who rely on AAC and the communication challenges they face without these essential tools.

• Benefits of AAC: Marisa discusses the profound impact AAC can have on the lives of individuals with communication challenges, including enhanced social interaction and independence.

Whether you're an educator, therapist, or someone eager to learn more about communication tools, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Links and Resources

The Artsy SLP Feelings-Emotions FreebieThe Artsy SLP Store Communication Bundle

Connect with Marisa

The Artsy SLP Blog

The Artsy SLP-5 Common Myths About AAC

The Artsy SLP on TPT 

The Artsy SLP on Pinterest

Connect with Dawn

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TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Back to school can always present its own set of challenges each year. But, going in with an organized classroom can make life so much easier. 

In this week’s episode, I am sharing my top tips, including some Amazon must-haves, to create an organized, welcoming environment for your students.

In this episode you will learn:

• My favorite tools to keep your classroom organized

• How to make things clear for your students so they know exactly where they need to be

• Tips + strategies for staying organized throughout the year.

• How to split up your room so that the floorplan works best for you.

Links and Resources

Blog: 10 Classroom Setup and Organization Tips for Special EducatorBack to School Special Educator BundleBrand new Special Educator Teacher Stickers

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! 

Inclusion is allowing all children to have access to the general education setting with their peers. It is not always appropriate for every student, but there are almost always pieces that you can insert into a child’s schedule throughout the day.

In this week’s episode, I am chatting with my friends Audra from ABA in School and Caitlin from Beltran’s Behavior Basics about all things inclusion.  We are sharing tips and strategies for making it work for your students.

In this episode you will learn:

• Tips and Strategies for fitting inclusion time into your student’s schedules.

• How to get support from general education teachers.

• How to get your admin team on board with allowing for more access for your students.

Connect with Audra and Caitlin

ABA in School, Audra’s Instagram

Beltran’s Behavior Basics, Caitlin’s Instagram

Connect with Dawn

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TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this episode, we welcome back Ashley Lutz to discuss the importance of CORE vocabulary in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). Ashley shares her expertise on incorporating play to enhance learning, using visuals effectively, and modeling CORE vocabulary for students. Join us for practical tips, success stories, and a special freebie that will support your classroom implementation.

In this episode you will learn:

• The essentials of CORE vocabulary and its importance

• Enhancing learning through play

• Effective use of visuals to support communication

• Practical tips for modeling and practicing CORE vocabulary

• Overcoming challenges and ensuring consistency at home

Links and Resources

How to Use Core Vocabulary in the Classroom BlogFREEBIE: Top Core Vocabulary Words to Use 

Connect with Ashley from Spedtacular Days

Ashley’s InstagramAshley’s FacebookAshley’s BlogJoin Ashley’s Email List

Connect with Dawn

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Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

If you are anything like me, you can’t survive without your paraprofessionals. They are absolutely essential to everything that happens inside my classroom. But sometimes, we fall into routines that are not effective or that are not maximizing their benefits. 

In today’s episode I’m sharing practical tips for paraprofessionals working in special education. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to enhance your skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you succeed

In this episode you will learn:

• How to understand your role in the classroom

• How to communicate effectively with the classroom teacher

• A few must-have behavior management strategies

• Professional development ideas just for you

Links and Resources

Paraprofessional Training Manual

Connect with Dawn

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Etsy Shop

TpT Store

Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!